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Depression Linked to Alzheimer's

Those prone to the blues may also be prone to dementia

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 8, 2008 5:36 AM CDT
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(Newser) – Nearly 50% of Alzheimer's patients also suffer from depression, and new studies suggest the depression came first, WebMD reports. Researchers found that elderly people with a history of depression were much more likely to develop dementia. The findings give greater urgency to early treatment for depression, experts warn.

The earlier a person suffered from depression, the higher the risk of dementia, researchers found. If depression occurred before age 60, the risk of Alzheimer's later was nearly four times higher than for those without a history of depression. Depression after age 60 was linked to a 2.5 times greater risk. 

Sisters of Notre Dame nuns granted a researcher's request to test them yearly, hoping to track the progression of Alzheimer's disease and other age-related brain disorders.
Sisters of Notre Dame nuns granted a researcher's request to test them yearly, hoping to track the progression of Alzheimer's disease and other age-related brain disorders.   (AP Photo/Douglas Healey)
New studies suggest that depression is likely to cause Alzheimer's, rather than Alzheimer's triggering depression.
New studies suggest that depression is likely to cause Alzheimer's, rather than Alzheimer's triggering depression.   ((c) Burning Image)
Could happiness help stave off dementia?
Could happiness help stave off dementia?   ((c) blugrl_on_rckgrv)
A new study finds that those who suffer depression before age 60 are nearly four times more likely to suffer from dementia.
A new study finds that those who suffer depression before age 60 are nearly four times more likely to suffer from dementia.   ((c) freeparking)
People with dementia exhibited signs of depression early on, a new study has found.
People with dementia exhibited signs of depression early on, a new study has found.   ((c) Ange Soleil ( a.k.a Tweng ))
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Depressed people found more likely to develop Alzheimer's
Reuters

Researchers: Dementia-depression link needs clarification
BBC

Study tracked retired clergy over 13 years
Press Association

 
dementia • depression • medical research • neurology • Alzheimer's Disease

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